I know, I know…

My last post was in August of last year and I’m not proud. My only defense is that I’ve been busy, but it’s a poor one. So, to quickly catch you up, I’m still working on the TV show ‘TIL DEATH. We have three more episodes to shoot and then it’s the end of the season. Fox has aired the first three episodes and the rest of them have been sitting on the shelf. My understanding is that they’re going to start airing at the end of the month at 7:30 on Sunday. You might have trouble finding them, because I think most programming guides list it as “Football Overrun.”

And so it goes…

Also, for what it’s worth, they’re airing episodes from last season (season 3) at 7:00, followed by an episode from the season I worked on (season 4) at 7:30. This strategy will make things pretty much incomprehensible. For instance, Ally, the daughter, will be one actress at 7 pm and then a completely different actress at 7:30, as well as pregnant.

BROTHERS is done. Fox hasn’t officially cancelled it, but the sets are struck and they repainted the soundstage so… there you go. I enjoyed working on the show and I liked the people very much.

As for NIGHTMARE ACADEMY, I first thought I might show you a nice drawing done by a young man named Sam Jarvis:

Nice, huh? Book 3 (MONSTER WAR) will be coming out in the US this summer. July, I think. I get a lot of email wondering about Book 4 — as in, will there be one. Here’s the short answer: I don’t know.

The longer answer is that book 3 completes the trilogy, although, from the start, I had always planned for there to be two trilogies, one that follows the other. MONSTER WAR wraps up many of the threads. You’ll find out what happens to the Fifth, you’ll see what Director Drake is up to, Charlie and his friends will complete one journey and the path will be laid clear for the next one.

However, even though I know the content of the second trilogy, someone has to want to publish it. If someone does, I’ll write it. If not… not. I’ll be sure to let you know when I have some news. And a quick note to my UK fans: I know that the UK edition of MONSTER WAR ends on a little bit of a cliffhanger. The US edition is going to have a bonus chapter that takes place just after the last chapter in the UK edition. It explains some things. I will put that chapter up on my website when MONSTER WAR publishes in the US, so everyone can take a look if they’re interested. It will be free.

As for the movie — no idea. Universal bought the rights, but I’ve heard nothing from them in a while. As always, I’ll be sure to let you know anything when I do.

In other news, I’m working on a couple great new books that I think you’ll like. I’ll have more to say about them at some future point. My wife and kids and I are healthy and reasonably happy. That’s about as much as anyone can ask, isn’t it?

14 Comments

It is!
Great to hear from you.
There’s a lot of work-work-work and then wait in both of these businesses, isn’t there.
I’ve been getting reader emails about a fourth MT book, which I have written. Harper doesn’t have to decide whether they want it or not until, like, December. So in the meantime I’ll be writing something else, just in case.

That’s a pretty wicked drawing right there. I particularly like the Hag – she looks so pretty! 😀
Dean, you don’t have to lie. I know the reason you haven’t been around is because you’ve been in rehab for your Farmville addiction. It’s ok, we all have our demons we have to face. 😉

hello from an old friend
Dean,
This is Tom Franklin, we were roommates back in the Hoboken days. I still remember packing your stuff up in the U-Haul with Bob and that guy who was driving out with you as you were heading out to Hollywood…. Congratulations on all your success, I have seen your name on the credits of some shows, I was vaguely aware of work. I just read thru your blog…
So, last night I’m reading “Big Man” a semi-autobiography by Clarence Clemons and Don Reo. Who turns up in one of the chapters? You! I’m sure you know this, but it was a pleasant surprise for me. Hanging with the Big Man, Bruce, and Damon -I’m sure you have some stories to tell! It was a really cool 6-degrees of separation for me. It brought a smile to my face, and a flood of great memories; the parties, Charles, Katherine cook Korean food, the hot tub out back, the waterfall in the living room, General Tso’s from Big Chef, Bob…Anyway, just wanted to say hi, and wish you well. Cheers. -TF

Anonymous

Re: new nightmare book
Thanks very much.
The UK version came out earlier than the US, because the US books come out first in hardcover and then, later, in paperback. The UK versions are only in paperback. Consequently, the US books take longer because the publishers wanted books 1 and 2 to come out in paperback first before book 3 was released.

Anonymous

HUH?
Are you making the Nightmare Academy into a movie?! OMG if you are, thats the whole reason i came onto this site! To see if you were or not LOL. Please Please Please tell me whether or not its gonna be a movie because i would REALLYYYY like to audition as Violet.
ok, heres my email. –> soulja-_-@live.com.au
PLEASEEE contact me!!

Re: HUH?
Hey there. Universal studios bought the rights to the series and it is currently in development, but I really don’t have any more info than that. As soon as I do, I’ll be sure to post about it. Take care…

Anonymous

Dear Dean,
How are you? I was wondering if you are writing any new books. It doesn`t matter for me if they`re about Nightmare Academy or something else :).
Also, do you have news about the movie? I just can`t wait to see it released.
Vlad from Romania

Anonymous

Anonymous

Book 4
Hay
Do you plan on wrighting a forth for nightmear accademy and when will it come out?
those are some nice pictures you got there .
Oh and do you know when it might be availabul in new zealand
Thanks Alys =]alys_isaacs@hotmail.com

Crystal

banisher19

The whole trilogy was AMAZING!!! I loved it so much. The bonus chapter was cool. Although it made more questions than answered for me. It did tie up some things, but also started a lot more. The idea of a movie is awesome!

About Dean

Emmy-Nominated screenwriter, Dean Lorey, has written and produced many TV shows, including ARRESTED DEVELOPMENT, THOSE WHO CAN'T, MY WIFE AND KIDS and RUNNING WILDE.

His movie credits include MAJOR PAYNE, MY BOYFRIEND’S BACK and FRIDAY THE 13TH PART 9: JASON GOES TO HELL. He has also done uncredited work on a variety of movies, including HAPPY GILMORE, GEORGE OF THE JUNGLE and NOTHING TO LOSE.

His novels include the young adult series NIGHTMARE ACADEMY (the first book, MONSTER HUNTERS, was awarded “Best Children’s Novel of the Year -- 2008” by the SCIBA). The series is published in over 20 countries and is in development at Universal Studios.

Currently, he is the co-author (with Vinnie Tortorich) of the recently released non-fiction bestseller FITNESS CONFIDENTIAL, as well as the publisher of Jack Icefloe Jackson's ROMANCE FOR MEN.

His first animated movie, ANIMAL CRACKERS, is currently in production with a voice cast including Ian McKellan, John Krasinski, Emily Blunt, Sylvester Stallone and Danny Devito. He also recently completed work on the pilot SHADY NEIGHBORS.

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